By Mace Laith
Are you familiar with that tingling, itching sensation that some individuals experience after taking beta-alanine? You’re not alone! This sensation, known as paresthesia, is a common side effect of beta-alanine supplementation. While it’s usually harmless, it can be uncomfortable and even distracting for some individuals. So, whether you’re a seasoned fitness enthusiast or just starting, read on to learn more about this fascinating phenomenon!
What is beta-alanine?
Beta-alanine is a non-essential amino acid that is commonly used as a dietary supplement. It’s naturally found in foods such as meat and fish, but it can also be synthesized in the body from other amino acids. Beta-alanine is best known for its role in the production of carnosine, a dipeptide that’s concentrated in the muscles and helps to buffer the acidity that occurs during exercise.
Causes of the itching sensation and tips on how to minimize it
The itching sensation caused by beta-alanine is a type of paresthesia, which is a tingling or prickling sensation on the skin. It’s a common side effect of beta-alanine supplementation and is usually harmless, although it can be uncomfortable and distracting for some individuals.
The primary cause of the itching sensation is thought to be due to beta-alanine’s ability to increase levels of carnosine in the muscles. Carnosine is a dipeptide made up of the amino acids beta-alanine and histidine, and it helps to buffer the acidity in the muscles during exercise. When you take beta-alanine supplements, your body converts it into carnosine, which then accumulates in the muscles over time. Here is where you get answers to the queston, why does beta-alanine cause an itching sensation?
However, as carnosine levels rise in the muscles, so does the concentration of histamine. Histamine is a compound that’s involved in allergic reactions and inflammation, and it’s known to cause itching and other skin-related symptoms. This increase in histamine levels may be the reason why some people experience itching after taking beta-alanine supplements.
To minimize the itching sensation caused by beta-alanine, there are a few things you can try. First, you can split your daily dose of beta-alanine into smaller doses taken throughout the day. This may help to reduce the concentration of carnosine and histamine in the muscles at any given time, which could minimize the itching.
Another tip is to take beta-alanine supplements with food. This may help to slow down the absorption of the supplement and reduce the likelihood of a histamine release. Additionally, drinking plenty of water may help to flush out excess histamine from the body and reduce the itching sensation.
Reasons to consider beta-alanine
Beta-alanine is a non-essential amino acid that can be found in foods such as meat and fish, but it’s also available in supplement form. Beta-alanine is known to improve exercise performance, reduce fatigue, and enhance muscle growth. By increasing muscle carnosine levels, beta-alanine helps to buffer the acidity that occurs during high-intensity exercise, allowing athletes to work out harder and for longer periods.
Beta-alanine has also been studied for its potential to improve body composition, particularly by promoting muscle growth. While more research is needed, beta-alanine is a popular supplement among athletes and fitness enthusiasts who are looking to improve their performance and achieve their fitness goals
Conclusion
While the itching sensation caused by beta-alanine can be uncomfortable, it’s usually harmless and can be managed with a few simple strategies. If you’re experiencing severe or persistent itching, it’s always a good idea to speak with your doctor or a qualified healthcare professional.
